She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms. (Prov. 31:17, NKJV now and throughout.)
The VW didn’t have a gym membership, but she wasn’t afraid of work. Activities, tasks, chores, work and more work didn’t scare her. She didn’t shirk or shrink back from work. No, instead, it strengthened her. She wore her strength like a belt. Her arms were not weak.
No matter the challenge, insurmountable endeavor, or overwhelming work ahead of her, the VW tackled it head-on.
She perceives that her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out by night. (Prov. 31:18)
She was confident about her gain and worked well into the night. The VW wasn’t driven by greed for gain, nor was she looking for wealth, but she knew that her product were of good quality. There were no shortcuts to her work. She worked smart, not hard. She knew her work.
She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hand holds the spindle. (Prov. 31:19)
Have you ever looked into the process of spinning? It’s quite intensive and laborious. I’m not convinced that they had spinning wheels, most likely the handle spindles. There is no word of her processing the fibers (whether it be flax or wool); it may be that she purchased already washed and carded, though she may have had to do it herself.
She extends her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy. (Prov. 31:20)
Extending her hand to the poor illustrated that she thought of others often. The poor and needy, those often subject to oppression and abuse, unable to take care of themselves. Helping with the poor is a daily task, and the VW knew that and made it a point to help them regularly.
The VW didn’t wait to extra money to help someone who had less, nor did she spend it on herself. She regularly reached out, illustrating her compassion and willingness to share what she had available.
Examples of VW in Scripture That Came to Mind
The midwives – Exodus 1:15-19; they repeatedly delivered children, strong, strengthened…need more. Threatened by Pharaoh to kill every male child, the midwives faced each delivery with strength.
Abigail – 1 Sam. 25; she perceived her merchandise was good. Abigail knew exactly what to get and how much to bring to appease David. She knew the quality of the goods she brought.
The widow of Zarephath – 1 Kings 17:9-15; she helped someone less fortunate than herself. This widow didn’t have much, but the prophet had even less than her. She shared what little she had.
Interesting Clues I Found
The Virtuous Woman wasn’t afraid of work, no shrinking or shirking from it. She had a strong inner confidence that she produced quality goods; there were no shortcuts to her work. Spinning was another sign of labor intensive work that didn’t deter her. In all her daily activities, the VW still took time to reach out to those less fortunate than her.
Key Takeaway
These caused me to question the motives of my actions. Do I really believe that who I am reflects in my daily actions and choices? My life is more than just the sum of my choices. I am convinced that the VW knew that. The VW possessed a level of boldness that was more than just confidence in herself. No, it went much deeper than that. It was a part of her, as though she knew who she was and her actions were more than reflecting her heart, they reflected her calling, her duty as a woman of virtue.
I have noticed that when I realize who I am in Yahweh and Yahushua, there is purpose in my day and in my choices – and actions – down to the smallest detail. Everything counts. As the daughter of the most High Yahweh and the bond-servant of Yahushua the Messiah, I know that I have a higher calling than to live my life for myself. My confidence isn’t in myself, it is in Yahushua. My resources are not in self-reliance, but in Yahweh, Who is an Endless Resource. Each of us have that same calling. Each of us have the same access to both Yahweh and Yahushua.
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